Two hundred Richmondshire taxi drivers now DEMENTIA AWARE after training in North Yorkshire
Updated: Jul 7, 2021
Richmondshire taxi drivers are now dementia aware thanks to training undertaken in North Yorkshire.
The 200 drivers licensed by Richmondshire District Council have worked with Dementia Forward after a carer raised concerns about problems sometimes experienced by a family member with dementia when using taxis.
”It is not unusual for someone living with dementia to express a desire to return to the familiarity of childhood,” said Dementia Support Advisor Janice Smith.
The council see dementia awareness training as important to provide taxi drivers confidence in these situations, and help people with dementia to safely maintain their independence.
Trainer, Fiona Andrews, said: “A recent conversation with a client's daughter revealed that her father had become fixated on returning to his home town in the Midlands. He had approached a Richmond taxi driver with the request. Thankfully the driver declined the fare, but he might not have done so if the request had been to take him to Darlington, leaving the man alone in the town.
“Living with dementia can often become isolated very quickly after diagnosis which can be very detrimental to their wellbeing and can hinder them from accessing support at the time they need it the most. Being able to get out and about is essential for some, and the local taxi service can become a lifeline. Knowing that the taxi company have had some awareness training and will understand the issues that come with living with dementia can make families feel so much more reassured.”
District Council Chairman and council Dementia Champion, Councillor Clive World, said: “This has been a unique project and every driver that has taken the course will display a sticker in their vehicle giving confidence to the passengers and their families.”
